When it’s time for your child to engage in independent teeth cleaning at home, celebrate it as a dental health milestone. They’re taking the first step toward a lifetime of oral care that will keep their smiles healthy and beautiful. Getting started isn’t always easy, but there are a few tricks to keep in mind when you’re in the toothbrush aisle at the store. Here’s how to make the daily chore as fun as possible for your kids.

What to Look for in Your Child’s First Toothbrush

1. Ensure the Brush Is Small & Easy to Hold

Visit the kids’ section of the dental health aisle since these products are designed to fit little mouths. They also include soft-grip features that make the brushes easy to hold. A brush that’s too big for the mouth or can slip out of their hands will frustrate your child and decrease their interest in twice-daily teeth cleaning. Check the labels since they typically include age brackets, such as “Ages 4 to 6.”

2. Go for Soft Bristles

Choose brushes that feature soft bristles. Even medium bristles can irritate the gums and cause them to bleed or feel tender.

Soft-bristled brushes work best for children, teens, and adults because they don’t contribute to gum recession. Point out the soft bristles to your child and lead by example by brushing gently for two minutes twice a day. Much like medium- and hard-bristled implements, aggressive brushing risks gum recession.

3. Choose Bright Colors & Fun Characters

Narrow the selection of soft-bristled, small brushes down to those with your child’s favorite colors or characters. Children’s toothbrushes come in a wide assortment of dazzling hues featuring animated characters that help children look forward to morning and evening teeth cleaning.

4. Let Your Child Be Part of the Process

Better yet, bring your child with you to the store and let them choose their brush so long as it meets the above criteria. Doing so allows them to feel in control of the situation instead of seeing it as just another chore. Provide a few options for your child to select from while talking about how routine cleaning removes “sugar bugs” that prevents cavities and other dental health problems. 

Take your child for professional teeth cleanings every six months at Martin & Rutledge Family Dentistry to prevent future issues and get them used to seeing the dentist. The family practice has served South Baldwin County, AL, since 1993, offering a comprehensive range of services, including emergency and after-hours appointments when necessary. Call (251) 968-4446 today to schedule an appointment or visit the dentist online to complete a new patient form.